booked into Brevard Jail on two counts of Murder

SHOOTER: David Owens, 29, of Titusville, has been booked into Brevard County Jail on two counts of Murder. The victims who died at the scene have been identified as Cynthia Zingsheim, 88, of Titusville, who was a patient in the room; and Parrish Medical Center employee Carrie Rouzer, 36, of Titusville. (BCSO image)

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Two people were shot dead, including a 88-year-old female patient and and a female hospital employee, at Parrish Medical Center early on Sunday about 2 a.m., according to Titusville Police Commander Todd Hutchinson.

According to Commander Hutchinson, the suspect, David Owens, 29, of Titusville, has been booked into Brevard County Jail on two counts of Murder.

The victims, who died at the scene, have been identified as Cynthia Zingsheim, 88, of Titusville, who was a patient in the room; and Parrish Medical Center employee Carrie Rouzer, 36, of Titusville.

The incident happened just after 2 a.m. on Sunday as officers responded to Parrish Medical Center, located at 951 N. Washington Avenue for a report of shots fired inside the medical facility.

Deputies from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist the Titusville police.

ABOVE VIDEO:David Owens, 29, of Titusville, has been booked into Brevard County Jail on two counts of Murder. The victims who died at the scene have been identified as Cynthia Zingsheim, 88, of Titusville, who was a patient in the room; and Parrish Medical Center employee Carrie Rouzer, 36, of Titusville. (WFTV Video)

Chief John Lau

“The preliminary investigation reveals that the lone suspect entered through the emergency room area,” said Titusville Police Chief John Lau.

“He made is way to a room on the third floor where he shot an elderly female patient in her room and a hospital employee who was also in the room.”

Moments after the shots were fired, two unarmed PMC security guards rushed into the room and subdued Owens.

Chief Lau said that the response of the Parrish Medical Center staff, “without a doubt,” saved more lives.

Natalie Sellers

“I want to commend our staff and the immediate and fast response they implemented,” said Natalie Sellers, Parrish Medical Center vice president of communications, community and corporate services.

“We’re mourning the loss of one our care partners, and we’re certainly mourning the loss of one of our patients.”

Sheriff Wayne Ivey

According to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, investigators have not been able to determine a motive for the shooting, or a connection between the shooter and the victims.

“It appears to be extremely random,” said Sheriff Ivey.

“There may be something later in the day that connects the dots for us, but right now nothing has done that.”

WFTV reported that Owens was involuntarily committed at least twice.

Carrie Rouzer (Facebook)

According to BCSO records, he was arrested in 2014 for domestic battery, and in 2015 and in February 2016, Owens was arrested for cocaine and marijuana possession.

In 2012, he was arrested for loitering and prowling as well as resisting an officer without violence.

Parrish Medical Center will provide information about their protocols and operational impacts on the hospital today for the public.

ABOVE MAP:Two people were shot dead, including a 88-year-old female patient and and a female hospital employee, at Parrish Medical Center early on Sunday about 2 a.m., according to Titusville Police Commander Todd Hutchinson.